Which acid is the formula H3PO4?

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Multiple Choice

Which acid is the formula H3PO4?

Identifying acids by their chemical formulas. H3PO4 shows three acidic hydrogens attached to a phosphate group, with phosphorus surrounded by four oxygens, which is the characteristic structure of phosphoric acid. This makes it phosphoric acid, a triprotic weak acid. The other listed formulas belong to different acids: H2SO4 is sulfuric acid, HNO3 is nitric acid, and H2CO3 is carbonic acid. The different numbers of hydrogens and the distinct central atoms/O arrangements explain why each has its own name.

Identifying acids by their chemical formulas. H3PO4 shows three acidic hydrogens attached to a phosphate group, with phosphorus surrounded by four oxygens, which is the characteristic structure of phosphoric acid. This makes it phosphoric acid, a triprotic weak acid.

The other listed formulas belong to different acids: H2SO4 is sulfuric acid, HNO3 is nitric acid, and H2CO3 is carbonic acid. The different numbers of hydrogens and the distinct central atoms/O arrangements explain why each has its own name.

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